I want to make Wood toys for my Too - Ideas?

[Astrid660]

Hey all. I have never made toys before, but after seeing Trooper shred a $10 wood toy from the pet store within a day, I decided to look into it.. There are apple and cherry trees outside, are those safe to use ? Does anyone have pics of wood toys they have made, or suggestions for the best way to do it ?

[Abby]

Cherry tree is a no no according to my toxic list. Apple seeds are a no no also.

I make a number of toys using gum branches cut into slices and 2 x 2 untreated pine chunks. If you get a length from the hard ware store and just cut up a whole heap in chunks and slices then you have a supply. I don't dye wood anymore, just can't be bothered and the birds don't seem to care. I cut some grooves into the bigger bits.

Drill holes then thread onto either chain (nickel plated is fine, just watch for any rust, stainless steel even better) or very thick vegetable tanned leather strips. Don't bother with string, Kirri (GSC2) just snipped the string on one of those large kabob toys and turned the wood into splinters within a day.

This might give you an idea of some things you can do. I buy some toys from this place (based in Australia) but I also cheat and copy some of their designs.
Parrot Rescue Centre

[RubyMuse]

The toys I make are from parts that you can buy from Drs. Foster and Smith on the web. What my big cockatoo likes is untreated hard wood cut into shapes like hearts and stars and died in food coloring. He does have a preference for color and shape so I know blocks all the time would not work for him. I also buy the wreaths from the dollar store that come in all sizes and zip tie them around his cage. I think they are like a wicker material. I cut up cardboard squares, punch holes in them, and tie them to the wreath with sisal or a zip tie. He likes all kinds of textures from easy to break things to hard wood. If you buy wood, make sure it does not have a green tint or it is pressure treated and toxic.

I will try to post some pics in the DIY section soon.